Hearing Device Antenna Arrangement with Chip and Primary Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices, particularly custom hearing aids, face challenges in achieving robust antenna performance due to limited space and proximity to other electrical components, which affects wireless communication efficiency, especially in the 2.4 GHz frequency band.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an antenna arrangement that combines a primary antenna with one or more chip antennas, where the primary antenna serves as a counterpoise and feeder for the chip antenna, eliminating the need for a large ground plane and enhancing radiation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single antenna arrangement is used in hearing devices, then the device maintains a compact size, but radiation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a chip antenna with a primary antenna (such as a PIFA or monopole antenna) into a hybrid antenna arrangement. The chip antenna is electrically connected to the primary antenna, creating a combined structure that leverages the compactness of the chip antenna while the primary antenna provides the necessary radiation efficiency. This merging allows the hearing device to maintain small dimensions while achieving adequate wireless communication performance.
2Reliability
If a large ground plane is used to improve antenna performance, then radiation efficiency increases, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ground plane requirement from the antenna design by using the primary antenna's radiating structure to serve as the reference plane for the chip antenna. Instead of requiring a large separate ground plane, the design utilizes the existing primary antenna elements (such as the ground plane of a PIFA or the structure of a monopole antenna) to provide the necessary reference for the chip antenna operation. This extraction eliminates the need for additional large ground plane area while maintaining radiation efficiency.
3Volume of moving object
If chip antenna is used alone, then device size is reduced, but antenna performance deteriorates due to lack of counterpoise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the primary antenna as an intermediary element between the chip antenna and the surrounding environment. The primary antenna serves as a mediator that provides the necessary counterpoise and radiation mechanism for the chip antenna. The chip antenna is electrically connected to the primary antenna, which then interfaces with the external electromagnetic environment. This intermediary relationship allows the compact chip antenna to achieve proper performance without requiring a large ground plane, as the primary antenna fulfills the counterpoise function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly improves radiation efficiency by 5-6 dB compared to single antenna arrangements, effectively addressing space constraints and performance limitations in small hearing devices while maintaining a compact size.
Implementation Method 1
The primary antenna is configured to serve as a counterpoise for the chip antenna and to feed the chip antenna
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An ear-worn electronic device is adapted to be worn at, by, in or on an ear of a wearer. The device comprises a housing configured to be supported at, by, in or on the wearer's ear. A processor is disposed in the housing. A speaker or a receiver is coupled to the processor. A radio frequency transceiver is disposed in the housing and coupled to the processor. An antenna arrangement is disposed in or on the housing and coupled to the transceiver. The antenna arrangement comprises a primary antenna and a chip antenna connected to the primary antenna. The primary antenna serves as a counterpoise for the chip antenna and feeds the chip antenna.